SIGNING UP FOR A MARATHON?
A study in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that running a marathon without sufficient preparation can lead to heart damage. Researchers studied a group of amateur recreational distance runners and found that even three months after running a marathon, half the runners had decreased ventricular function in their hearts. These changes, while reversible, were more common in least prepared runners. Get yourself a solid training plan if you’re signing up to go the distance.

Juice Fasts/Cleanses – This can lead to gas, diarrhea, muscle loss, and weaken immune system.

Severe Calorie-Cutting – This can throw the body into starvation mode, and actually slow down your metabolism.

GOT GOUT?
Gout is a painful accumulation of uric acid in the joints (usually feet) caused by an inability to break down purines from excess consumption of red meat and alcohol. Consuming cherries or non-sweetened cherry juice helps break down the acid, but limiting further red meat and alcohol consumption is a natural dietary change to improve the condition.

BIGGEST SODIUM CULPRITS
A government report reveals that almost all the salt we eat comes from just 25 foods. 70 percent of our sodium is from bread, pizza, and sandwiches – most of it prepackaged or restaurant food. Most Americans take in more sodium than the recommended maximum of 2300 mg a day.

TEA TO RECOVERY
L-Theanine is a tea-derived amino acid helps relax your mind from the pileup of daily stressors by taking some pressure off the cardiovascular system. This is key in achieving a fully recovered nervous system to get your muscles totally firing before your next workout.

VITAMIN C AND CANCER
A study published in Cancer Cell found that high doses of vitamin C could extend the life span of some cancer patients by up to six month. Patients received up to a 1000 times the recommended daily dose of the vitamin. Researchers say a nutrient in vitamin C weakens cancerous cells, leaving them vulnerable to the effects of radiation and chemotherapy.